High-resolution maps of the galactic center at 2.2 and 10 microns

Abstract

Photometric maps of the central 1' of the galactic center are presented at 2.2 and 10 $mu$ with a spatial resolution of approx.2/sup double-prime/./sub / 5. Most of the 2.2-$mu$ radiation within the central 2 pc comes from discrete sources with absolute 2.2-$mu$ magnitudes brighter than -8. At 10 $mu$, nine discrete sources plus an extended ridge of emission are seen. Five of the discrete sources are located within the extended ridge and have linear dimensions and 10-$mu$ luminosities similar to the planetary nebula NGC 7027.